Tranz Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has claimed to broker a political deal where DAP-K candidate Phanice Waswa stepped down from the upcoming Chwele/Kabuchai Member of County Assembly (MCA) contest in favour of Eric Wekesa.

In a statement on his Facebook page on Thursday, November 14, 2025, Natembeya revealed that the deal is part of crafting a winning strategy in what is hugely considered part of the wider opposition strategy to challenge the government-allied candidates in the upcoming polls.

“DAP K’s Phanice Waswa has today stepped down in favor of Erick Wekesa in the upcoming Chwele/Kabuchai Ward by-election, a powerful show of unity and maturity in leadership,” his statement read.

“This outcome follows my mediation efforts to bring together our leaders under one vision: to strengthen the opposition and give the people a united voice. We are proving that when leaders choose dialogue over division, the people win,” he added.

Winning strategy

This is not just about a by-election; it’s about setting a new tone for our politics: one built on cooperation, strategy, and shared purpose. Together, we are building a stronger front and shaping a future where unity delivers victory,” his statement parted.

Wekesa, an independent candidate in the race, enjoys the support of the Kabuchai MP, Majimbo Kalasinga, a considered renegade from Ford Kenya and its supremo, Moses Wetang’ula.

The Chwele/Kabuchai contest

The aspirant faces a tough contest against Ford Kenya’s Vincent Maunda in the mini-elections slated for November 27, 2025. Maunda is supported by the National Assembly Speaker and a host of the area MCAs aligned to the government.

The by-election occurred following the death of Barasa Mukhongo, who held the position on a Ford Kenya ticket.

The political deal comes days after the united opposition also brokered a similar pact among its constituent parties in Malava.

In the deal, the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) candidate Edgar Busiega shelved his ambition for the parliamentary seat for DAP-K’s Seth Panyako.

Panyako, the United Opposition candidate, is set to face off against the Kenya Kwanza-backed United Democratic candidate David Ndakwa.